Light weight bicycle brake assembly

ABSTRACT

A light weight brake assembly for bicycles is disclosed. Some embodiments of the invention are designed to enhance assembly adjustability, for example to accommodate geometric variations that occur with various bicycle frame and wheel geometries. Some embodiments of the invention are designed to allow for a brake leverage that can be non-linear and capable of multiplying during brake actuation so that braking force increases more rapidly than brake lever force applied by the user. Some embodiments of the invention are designed to provide a brake sensitivity that is adjustable in use. Some embodiments provide for a quick-release functionality, for example by quickly increasing the gap between the two brake pads so that the wheel can be easily/quickly removed.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority under Section 119(e) from U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/975,163 filed Sep. 26, 2007, thecontents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention described herein relates to bicycle brake assemblies and,in particular, to cable actuated assemblies which act upon the rim of abicycle wheel.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Bicycling is an increasingly popular form of recreation and a means oftransportation and has become a popular competitive sport for bothamateurs and professionals. Whether a bicycle is designed for use inrecreation, transportation or competition, making of improvements to thevarious components of bicycles designed for these activities continuesto be a focus of many in this field.

One component of bicycles that has been extensively redesigned is thebicycle brake assembly. Consequently, there are many different designs,configurations and elements of bicycle brake assemblies known in theart. For example, in recent years, braking systems have been designedfor use with bicycles that include braking discs mounted to one of thewheels of the bicycle in combination with actuated brake caliperassemblies (see, e.g. U.S. Pat. No. 7,261,188). Such brake caliperassemblies typically include elements such as hydraulically operatedpistons that can for example, engage a pair of braking pads that in turnselectively contact a braking disc.

Other illustrative bicycle brake assemblies that are known in the artinclude for example, those described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,718,521, whichdiscloses a bicycle caliper brake assembly having a first caliper havinga connecting portion provided with a boss rotatably and axially movablyreceiving a rotary member. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 6,125,973 disclosesa brake pad holder designed for adjustably mounting a bicycle brake padto a brake caliper arm. In this assembly, the brake pad holder isdesigned to maintain the mounting arm thereof in an orthogonalorientation with respect to the brake caliper arm, while the brake padholder is adjustable. U.S. Pat. No. 6,264,008 discloses a parallel-pushbrake assembly for bicycles that provides substantially translationalmotion of the brake pad using a mechanism that is relatively free oftolerance build-up or slop. U.S. Pat. No. 6,607,056 discloses a brakeapparatus for a bicycle capable of applying a higher braking force onthe front wheel and a lower braking force on the rear wheel given thesame force exerted on the levers controlling the front brake and therear brake so to prevent early locking of the rear wheel of the bicycleduring braking while leaving the cyclist the possibility to separatelycontrol the front brake and the rear brake. U.S. Pat. No. 7,353,918discloses a brake assembly for a bicycle composed of an arrangement of apair of brake pads each connected to a rod member in turn guided foraxial movement by a base fixed on the bicycle frame.

While a variety of bicycle brake assemblies are known in the art, thereexists a need for an improved brake assemblies, ones that for exampleallow for an optimized distribution of the forces associated with theoperation of the assembly as well as ones that are easier to use and/oradjust than existing brake assemblies. Embodiments of the inventiondisclosed herein address this need in the art as well as other needs,which will become apparent from the following disclosure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The bicycle brake assembly disclosed herein has a number of embodiments,for example, those that are illustrated in the drawings. Moreover, thoseof skill in the art will understand that numerous changes can beimplemented to the construction and forms of the various elements usedin the illustrative embodiments disclosed herein yet remain within thecontext of the concepts characterizing the embodiments of thisinvention. A typical embodiment of the invention is a cable actuatedbicycle brake assembly comprising: an assembly mount; a cable; a cablehousing; a stationary bridge; a first brake arm including a first brakepad, wherein the first brake arm is operatively coupled to thestationary bridge; a second brake arm including a second brake pad,wherein the second brake arm is operatively coupled to the stationarybridge; a stationary cable anchor; a cable housing anchor; wherein thecable, the cable housing, the stationary bridge, the first brake arm,the second brake arm, the stationary cable anchor and the a cablehousing anchor are operatively coupled such that when the brake assemblyis actuated by a user applying an actuating force to the cable, theactuating force applied to the cable actuates the first and the secondbrake arms so that the first and second brake pads apply a braking forceto a bicycle wheel.

As demonstrated by the illustrative embodiments disclosed below andthose shown in the drawings, such embodiments of the bicycle brakeassembly can further include additional elements and/or arrangements ofelements. For example, in certain embodiments, the assembly alsoincludes a linkage comprising a pivotable lever and a strut, wherein thefirst and second brake arms are operatively coupled to each other by thelinkage. In some embodiments, the lever comprises a first and a secondend; the first end the lever is pivotally coupled to the first brakearm; the second end of the lever is coupled to the cable housing; thestrut comprises a first end and a second end; the first end of the strutis pivotally coupled to the lever so as to allow the strut to pivotrelative to the lever; and the second end of the strut is pivotallycoupled to the second brake arm. In some embodiments, the cable housingcan be operatively coupled to the lever so that a force applied to thecable is transferred to the cable housing such that the cable housingmoves and actuates the lever so that the first and the second brake armsare actuated and the first and second brake pads apply a braking forceto a bicycle wheel. In addition, in certain embodiments, the strutcomprises a strut tip bearing surface and a strut quick release tab,wherein the strut tip bearing surface and the strut quick release tabfacilitate an increase in the distance between the first and secondbrake pad. In some embodiments of the invention, the assembly comprisesa mini-link, wherein the mini-link is operatively coupled to thestationary bridge, the lever and the strut so as to facilitate aconsistent and/or an approximately equal movement of the first brake padand the second brake pad upon actuation of the brake assembly by theuser. Optionally, the length of the mini-link is adjustable.

In some embodiments of the invention, the stationary cable anchor isdisposed on a stationary element of the assembly comprising: theassembly mount; the stationary bridge; a first or second brake arm axle;or an immobile portion of the first or second arm. Optionally, the brakeassembly comprises a frame bolt adapted to secure the brake assembly tothe bicycle; wherein the frame bolt exhibits an eccentric geometry thatallows the brake assembly to be moved in a side-to-side direction and aup-and-down direction relative to a location on a bicycle on which thebrake assembly is mounted so that an alignment of the brake assembly onthe bicycle can be adjusted. In certain embodiments of the invention,the brake assembly comprises a barrel adjuster having a nut thatmatingly engages a surface on the lever such that the barrel adjustercan pivot relative to the lever during actuation of the brake assembly.In some embodiments, the brake assembly comprises a spring having afirst end coupled to the first brake arm and a second end coupled to thesecond brake arm, wherein the spring is not coupled to a stationaryportion of the brake assembly.

In certain embodiments of the invention, the stationary bridge has afront flange and a rear flange and the cable, the cable housing, thestationary bridge, the first brake arm, the second brake arm, thestationary cable anchor and the a cable housing anchor are operativelycoupled to one another in an area disposed between these two flanges. Insome embodiments, the brake assembly includes a sliding fit brake padretention system comprising: a first shoe and a second shoe adapted toretain the first brake pad and the second brake pad, wherein the firstand the second shoe comprise: a fixed boss element adapted to be seatedin a recess of the first and second brake pads; wherein the recess isadapted to retain the first and second brake pads when they areslidingly engaged with the first and second shoe; and a relief in thefirst and second brake shoes that enables the brake pads to bedeformably disengaged from the boss in a direction opposite of brakingforce.

Yet another embodiment of the invention is a cable actuated bicyclebrake assembly comprising: an assembly mount; a cable; a cable housing;a stationary bridge; a first brake arm including a first brake pad,wherein the first brake arm is operatively coupled to the stationarybridge; a second brake arm including a second brake pad, wherein thesecond brake arm is operatively coupled to the stationary bridge; alinkage comprising a pivotable lever and a strut, wherein the first andsecond brake arms are operatively coupled to each other by the linkage;and a mini-link, wherein the mini-link is operatively coupled to thestationary bridge and the linkage so as to facilitate an approximatelyequal movement of the first brake pad and the second brake pad uponactuation of the brake assembly by the user; wherein the cable, thecable housing, the stationary bridge, the linkage, the mini-link, thefirst brake arm and the second brake arm are operatively coupled suchthat when the brake assembly is actuated by a user applying an actuatingforce to the cable, the actuating force applied to the cable actuatesthe first and the second brake arms so that the first and second brakepads apply a braking force to a bicycle wheel.

As demonstrated by the illustrative embodiments disclosed below andshown in the drawings, such embodiments of the bicycle brake assemblycan further include additional elements and/or arrangements of elements.For example, some of these embodiments of the invention include astationary cable anchor and/or a cable housing anchor. In someembodiments of the invention, the brake assembly comprises a frame boltadapted to secure the brake assembly to the bicycle; wherein the framebolt exhibits an eccentric geometry that allows the brake assembly to bemoved in a side-to-side direction and a up-and-down direction relativeto a location on a bicycle on which the brake assembly is mounted sothat an alignment of the brake assembly on the bicycle can be adjusted.

Yet another embodiment of the invention is a cable actuated bicyclebrake assembly comprising: an assembly mount; a cable; a cable housing;a stationary bridge; a first brake arm including a first brake pad,wherein the first brake arm is operatively coupled to the stationarybridge; a second brake arm including a second brake pad, wherein thesecond brake arm is operatively coupled to the stationary bridge; aframe bolt adapted to secure the brake assembly to the bicycle; whereinthe frame bolt exhibits an eccentric geometry that allows the brakeassembly to be moved in a side-to-side direction and a up-and-downdirection relative to a location on a bicycle on which the brakeassembly is mounted so that an alignment of the brake assembly on thebicycle can be adjusted; wherein the cable, the cable housing, thestationary bridge, the first brake arm and the second brake arm areoperatively coupled such that when the brake assembly is actuated by auser applying an actuating force to the cable, the actuating forceapplied to the cable actuates the first and the second brake arms sothat the first and second brake pads apply a braking force to a bicyclewheel.

As demonstrated by the illustrative embodiments disclosed below andthose shown in the drawings, such embodiments of the bicycle brakeassembly can further include additional elements and/or arrangements ofelements. For example, some of these embodiments of the inventioninclude a stationary cable anchor and a cable housing anchor. In certainembodiments of the invention, the assembly comprises: a linkagecomprising a pivotable lever and a strut, wherein the first and secondbrake arms are operatively coupled to each other by the linkage; and amini-link, wherein the mini-link is operatively coupled to thestationary bridge, the lever and the strut so as to facilitate anapproximately equal movement of the first brake pad and the second brakepad upon actuation of the brake assembly by the user.

Some embodiments of the invention include kits comprising a bicyclebrake assembly disclosed herein. Typically the kit further comprisesinstructions for use of the enclosed assembly, and optionally, one ormore tools commonly used to mount and/or adjust such assemblies (e.g.levers, wrenches, screwdrivers and the like).

Those of skill in the art also understand that embodiments of theinvention include methods for making (e.g. using art acceptedmanufacturing techniques) and using the various assembly embodimentsdisclosed herein. Such embodiments of the invention include for examplemethods of stopping or slowing a bicycle by applying a braking force toa bicycle wheel comprising applying an actuating force to the cable of abicycle brake assembly embodiment disclosed herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Further characteristics and advantages of embodiments of the inventionwill be discerned from the non-limiting illustrated examples that areshown in the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the left side of bicycle (101) withfront brake assembly (102) and rear brake assembly (103) installed.

FIG. 2 a and 2 b are side views of bicycle (101) showing front brakeassembly (102) and rear brake assembly (103) during installation. Frontbrake assembly (102) and rear brake assembly (103) are held in place byframe nut (178). The only difference between front brake assembly (102)and rear brake assembly (103) is the length of frame bolt threadedportion (158). For front brake assembly (102), frame bolt threadedportion (158) is longer to mate with the front fork of the bicycle vsrear brake assembly (103) where frame bolt threaded portion (158) isshorter to mate with the brake bridge of bicycle (101).

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of front brake assembly (102). Allcomponents are shown except for spring (131) which in only viewable fromthe front.

FIG. 4 is a front view of front brake assembly (102) or rear brakeassembly (103). All components are shown except for frame bolt (142),binder bolt (143), threaded insert (147) and mini-link (107).

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing a first stage of assemblyfor front brake assembly (102) or rear brake assembly (103). Lever arm(105) is pined to bridge (104) using lever arm axle (108) which bears onbridge axle bearing surface (114). The arm bushing (111) is alsoinstalled in order to limit friction between arm bushing bearing surface(113) and lever arm axle (108) and allowing lever arm (105) to pivotabout lever arm axle (108) relative to bridge (104). In a similarfashion, strut arm (106) is pined in place using strut arm axle (109)and arm bushing (111). Strut arm axle index notch (117) mates withbridge axle keying feature (118) to ensure that strut arm axle (109) andremains correctly oriented relative to bridge (104). Strut tip axle(110) is also installed into strut arm (106) bearing against strut tipaxle bearing surface (116). Strut tip bushing (112) is also included tolimit fiction in subsequent assembly (FIG. 6). Mini-link (107) is alsoinstalled into mini-link insert hole (115). Note that in this design,the two main pivoting arms, the lever arm (105) and strut arm (106),nested between the front and rear flanges of the stationary bridge (104)eliminating any eccentric loading and resulting in a more efficientstructure than the prior art.

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing a further stage ofassembly lever bushing (123) is installed into lever bushing bearingsurface (127), mini-link lever hole (128) is slid over mini-link (107),and lever (119) is pined to lever arm (105) using lever axle (121) whichbears on lever axle bearing surface (126). The lever bushing (123) isused to limit friction so that lever (119) ability to pivot about leveraxle (121) is only limited by mini-link (107). Strut bolt bushings (124)are placed in strut bolt bushing bearing surface (130) and strut (120)is bolted to lever (119) by sliding the strut bolt (122) with strut boltwasher (125) into strut bolt hole (129) and fixing it in place with asnap ring. Strut bolt bushing (124) is used to limit friction betweenstrut (120) and lever (119). Strut (120) is positioned so that strut tipbearing surface (173) comes to bear on strut tip bushing (112). Theadded linkage, the lever (119) and strut (120), like the rest of themoving elements, is nested between the front and rear flanges of thestationary bridge (104), eliminating any eccentric loading and resultingin a very efficient structure.

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view showing a further stage of brakeassembly. Frame bolt (142) is inserted into frame bolt hole (144) andfixed in place by binder bolt (143). The axis of binder bolt hole (145)is located close enough to the axis of frame bolt hole (144) so thatbinder bolt (143) nests into an undercut in the frame bolt binderportion (160). Also shown is frame bolt flats (159) which can servemultiple purposes such as: (1) providing a member to hold the frame bolt(142) in place when fixing front brake assembly (102) or rear brakeassembly (103) to bicycle (101) using frame nut (178); and (2) providinga member to rotate frame bolt (142) about frame bolt threaded portion(158) relative to bicycle (101) during brake alignment.

FIG. 8 shows a section view of frame bolt (142) and details frame boltthreaded portion (158) and frame bolt binder portion (160). Because theaxis of the frame bolt binder portion (160) and frame bolt threadedportion (158) are not aligned, rotating frame bolt (142) using framebolt flats (159) (FIG. 7), results in side-to-side and up-and-down brakeadjustment relative to bicycle (101) so that proper alignment of frontbrake assembly (102) and rear brake assembly (103) to the bike wheel canbe attained. An example of this alignment is also shown in FIG. 19 a and19 c.

FIG. 9 shows two perspective views of bridge (104). Binder slot (152)exists so that bridge (104) can collapse onto frame bolt (142) whenbinder bolt (143) is tightened into binder bolt hole (145) (FIG. 7).Also shown are bridge pockets (174) for weight savings. Bridge pockets(174) also exists on the front of bridge (104) as shown in FIG. 10.Mini-link insert hole (115) is also shown.

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view showing a further stage ofassembly. Here spring (131) is attached to lever arm (105) and strut arm(106) at spring hole (137). The flattened portion of the spring (172)that can only slide into the ob-round spring hole (137) in one of twoorientations so that the spring cannot come out of the arm during use.This together with the spring leg (161) work to keep spring (131) heldin place. Barrel adjuster (132) goes through barrel adjuster bushing(134) and barrel adjuster threaded portion (156) is threaded into barreladjuster nut (133). Barrel adjuster (132) is then passed through leverob-round hole (138) with barrel adjuster flats (155) aligned with theflats of lever ob-round hole (138) until barrel adjuster bushing (134)comes to bear on barrel adjuster bushing bearing surface (139). Barreladjuster flats (155) keeps barrel adjuster (132) from rotating duringuse and barrel adjuster bushing (134) is used to limit rotationalfriction between barrel adjuster bushing bearing surface (139) andbarrel adjuster nut (133). The next step is to pass cable (176) throughcable housing (175), barrel adjuster (132), barrel adjuster nut (133),barrel adjuster bushing (134), and lever ob-round hole (138) and laidinto cable bearing surface (140). Cable (176) is tensioned until the endof cable housing (175) comes to bear against the bottom of cable housinghole (154). To hold cable (176) is the proper location, cable plate(135) is clamped down on cable (176) by threading cable bolt (136) intocable bolt hole (141). This embodiment of the invention also shows astrut design composed of two arms. These two strut arms (196) enable thestrut to be tied to either side of the lever and the cable to be routedbetween the two strut arms (196). This eliminates any eccentric loadingthus allowing both the lever and the strut to be smaller (because theyare more structurally efficient) and therefore lighter.

FIG. 11 shows a top view of lever (119). Lever ob-round hole (138) andbarrel adjuster bushing bearing surface (139) are also shown for furtherclarity.

FIG. 12 shows a section and perspective view of strut arm axle (109).Snap ring undercut (165), cable bearing surface (140), cable bolt hole(141), hollow axle section (164) and strut arm axle index notch (117)are shown for further clarity. Snap ring undercut (165) is a typicalsnap ring groove that exists on lever arm axle (108), strut tip axle(110) and lever axle (121) as well. During assembly, a snap ring isinserted into snap ring undercut (165) to hold the various axles inplace. Hollow axle section (164) is typical of all of the axles in theassembly where material is removed for weight savings.

FIG. 13 a shows a perspective view of strut (120), strut quick releasetab (181) and strut tip bearing surface (173) are also shown for furtherclarity.

FIG. 13 b shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment forstrut (120). Here, 120 is made up of a threaded assembly threaded strut(162) and threaded strut tip (163), enabling the length of 120 to beuser adjusted.

FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view showing a further stage ofassembly where two brake shoe assemblies are attached to lever arm (105)and strut arm (106). Here, threaded insert (147) is passed through brakeshoe (146), spherical washer (148) and shoe hole (151). Shoe bolt (150)is passed through shoe washer (149) and threaded into shoe bolt hole(170) to fix the brake shoe assembly in place. Brake pad (177) is slidinto brake shoe (146). To hold the pad in place this design has a fixed‘boss’ (168) on the inside of the shoe that corresponds to a pad recess(200) in the back of the pad to retain the brake pad securely.Additionally there exists a shoe undercut relief (179) of the brake shoe‘undercut’ allowing the brake pad to deform and be pulled away from the‘boss’ (168) when a peal force (198) is applied. Once the pad is pulledaway from the boss (168), the pad can slide above and past the ‘boss’ byapplying a sliding force (199) for pad removal. The design uses thenatural force applied during braking to push the pad firmly to the backof the shoe which keeps the boss engaged in the pad and securelyretained in the shoe. Because removal loads, the peal force (198) andslide force (199) are in the opposite direction as those seen duringbraking, the pad remains securely in the shoe during use. This resultsin a design that does not required an additional screw or tools and easyto service without the difficulty of a tight friction fit.

FIG. 15 a shows perspective views of brake shoe (146)—clearly defininginner spherical surface (166), outer spherical surface (167), the brakeshoe boss (168), the shoe undercut (201), the shoe undercut relief(179). Inner spherical surface (166) and outer spherical surface (167)provide bearing surfaces for mating to threaded insert spherical surface(169) of threaded insert (147) (see also FIG. 14) and spherical washerspherical surface (171) or spherical washer (148) (see also FIG. 16).

FIG. 15 b shows a section view of brake shoe (146) along with a brakepad (177) that has been deformed in the manner necessary for padremoval. Also defined are embodiments of the inner spherical surface(166), outer spherical surface (167), brake shoe boss (168), the brakeshoe boss (168), the shoe undercut (153), the pad's boss recess (200),the shoe undercut relief (179), the peal force (198) vector, and theslide force (199) vector.

FIG. 16 shows perspective and section views of spherical washer (148) todefine spherical washer spherical surface (171).

FIGS. 17 a, b, c and d show perspective and section views of lever arm(105) and strut arm (106). Here, embodiments of arm pockets (157) aredefined. Arm pockets (157) are for weight savings.

FIG. 18 is a rear section view of the assembly taken through thecenterline of cable (176). Here embodiments of barrel adjust pivot axis(180), generic tire cross section (182), and generic wheel rim crosssection (183) are also defined.

FIG. 19 a, 19 b and 19 c are rear views of front brake assembly (102) orrear brake assembly 103. Shown is the side-to-side adjustment availableby rotating frame bolt (142) about frame bolt threaded portion (158)using frame bolt swivel tool (194) engaged with frame bolt flats (159).19 a shows the position of front brake assembly (102) or rear brakeassembly (103) relative to a misaligned generic tire cross section (182)and generic wheel rim cross section (183) prior to adjustment. Framebolt swivel tool (194) is in place. FIG. 19 b shows an example tool usedto engage with frame bolt flats (159). FIG. 19 c shows front brakeassembly (102) or rear brake assembly (103) relative to generic tirecross section (182) and generic wheel rim cross section (183) afteradjustment with frame bolt swivel tool (194) was used to rotate framebolt (142). Also shown in 19 a and 19 c is bicycle centerline (192).Bicycle centerline (192) line does not move from 19 a to 19 b.

FIG. 20 is a front view of front brake assembly (102) or rear brakeassembly (103) showing the brake before and after brake activation.Lever arm (105), strut arm (106) and lever (119) are shown in twopositions. Phantom dotted/dashed lines are used to depict the componentsbefore activation; while solid lines depict the components afteractivation. Also shown are lever rotation action (185), strut forcevector (186), lever arm rotation action (187), strut arm rotation action(188) and brake shoe pinch action (189) which depict the componentmotions during brake activation.

FIG. 21 is a rear view of front brake assembly (102) or rear brakeassembly (103) before and after ‘quick release’ activation. Lever arm(105) and strut (120) are shown in two positions. Phantom depicts thecomponents before quick release activation; solid lines depictcomponents after activation. Also shown is strut quick release tab (181)which provides the user an easy way of rotating strut (120) during quickrelease activation. Also shown are quick release strut action (190) andquick release strut arm rotation (191) which depict the componentmotions during quick release activation.

FIG. 22 is a rear view similar to FIG. 21 with an alternative embodimentof mini-link (107) shown. Here, mini-link (107) is a spring and canchange length. Front brake assembly (102) or rear brake assembly (103)are shown before and after ‘quick release’ activation. Lever arm (105),strut arm (106), mini-link (107), lever (119) and strut (120) are shownin two positions. Phantom depicts the components before quick releaseactivation; solid lines depict components after activation. Like in FIG.21, quick release strut action (190) and quick release strut armrotation (191) are shown. Also shown is quick release lever arm rotation(193) which depict the component motions during activation. Quickrelease lever arm rotation (193) is only possible because mini-link(107) is flexible and can change length as shown in the figure.

FIG. 23 is a rear view of front brake assembly (102) or rear brakeassembly (103) showing lever (195) with adjustable leverage which is analternate embodiment of the lever (119) along with threaded strut (162)and threaded strut tip (163). Here lever with adjustable leverage (195)has multiple strut bolt holes (129) to which the threaded strut (162)can be attached. The barrel adjuster (132) is also shown.

FIG. 24 shows an embodiment of the invention with an adjustable lengthmini-link (197) and no binder bolt (143). With an adjustable length ofthe mini-link (197) comes the ability to adjust how far brake pads (177)are from the rim (183). As the length of the mini-link is adjusted, onepad (177) moves closer to the rim (183) as the other pad moves fartheraway. If the length of the mini-link is adjusted in the oppositedirection, the opposite motions occur. Therefore, but using anadjustable length mini-link (197) the rim (183) can be centered betweenthe two pads without the need to move the entire brake.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Unless otherwise defined, all terms of art, notations and terminologyused herein are intended to have the meanings commonly understood bythose of skill in the art to which this invention pertains. In somecases, terms with commonly understood meanings are defined herein forclarity and/or for ready reference, and the inclusion of suchdefinitions herein should not necessarily be construed to represent asubstantial difference over what is generally understood in the art. Thetechniques and procedures described or referenced herein are generallywell understood and commonly employed using conventional methodology bythose skilled in the art.

1. Features of Embodiments of the Invention

The disclosure herein provides bicycle brake assemblies having elementsand arrangements of elements that are designed optimize a number offunctional attributes of such assemblies. For example, certainembodiments focus on designs that improve on conventional bicycle brakeassemblies by decreasing their weight while simultaneously improvingfunctional aspects of a number of elements within the assembly. In thiscontext, embodiments of the invention focus on the optimization ofconventional brake assembly elements. For example, some embodiments ofthe invention are designed to enhance assembly adjustability, forexample to accommodate geometric variations that occur with variousbicycle frame and wheel geometries. Some embodiments of the inventionare designed to allow for a brake leverage that can be non-linear andcapable of multiplying during brake actuation so that braking forceincreases more rapidly than brake lever force applied by the user. Someembodiments of the invention are designed to provide a brake sensitivitythat is adjustable in use. Some embodiments provide for a quick releasefunctionality, for example by quickly increasing the gap between the twobrake pads so that the wheel can be easily/quickly removed. Those ofskill in the art will understand that embodiments of the invention allowfor an easy installation and maintenance, for example by incorporatingone or more of the features disclosed herein (e.g. those noted above).

In order to minimize the weight of the assemblies of the invention,embodiments of the assembly disclosed herein use alternative elementsand arrangements of elements that are designed to maximize the brake'sassemblies structural efficiency by for example, the elimination ofextra elements and/or the elimination of eccentric loads that causeelements to be large in cross-section (e.g. in order to preserve brakeperformance and stiffness). For example, various embodiments of theinvention include elements and constellation of elements that, forexample differ from assemblies known in the art due to altered designsin one or more features such as: brake cable end and cable housingactuation; brake leverage; brake pad travel control; brake alignmentrelative to the bicycle frame and wheel; brake shoe and brake padreplacement; cable housing termination (e.g. using elements such as abarrel adjuster); and brake quick release elements.

As noted briefly below, embodiments of the invention disclosed hereinovercome a number of problems with existing bicycle brake assemblies. Inthis context, the following text provides a brief description of commonassembly embodiments known in the art, how the brake assembly designsdisclosed herein provide improvements over such assemblies, and how thevarious elements function to accomplish these improvements.

In many conventional brake assemblies known in the art, a cable isrouted through a cable housing from the brake lever to the brake. Insuch arrangements, the user applies the braking force to the brake leverby hand and this force is transferred to the brake assembly via thecable and cable housing where this force is transferred to the rim ofthe wheel. Such embodiments typically include two movable levers uponwhich force is applied to actuate the brake. The cable housing isterminated on one of these two movable levers and the cable isterminated on the other movable ‘lever’. In such embodiments, when thebrake is activated, the brake cable is pulled back up through the cablehousing shortening the distance between the two movable levers andresulting in a scissoring action that acts to bring the brake padstogether to apply the stopping force against the wheel. In these priorart assemblies, the brake assembly arms are assembled on top of oneanother. While effort is taken to minimize eccentric loads in theseprior art devices, they are not eliminated. Other assemblies known inthe prior art teach a cable housing that is terminated at the end ofrigid arm extending from the main body of the brake and adding weight tothe brake assembly. In such assemblies, the brake cable is then passesthrough the cable housing and is fixed to a movable linkage. When thecable is pulled, the linkage is pulled up toward the fixed cable housingtermination (e.g. anchor), and a scissoring action occurs to activatethe brake. In contrast to these prior art designs, embodiments of thebrake assemblies disclosed herein are designed to include one movablelever upon which force is applied to actuate the brake. Such embodimentsof the invention can be much lighter than the prior art assembliesbecause they are designed to use one rather than two movable leverswhile not requiring any extension of the main body of the brake.Additionally, such designs can reduce and/or eliminate eccentric loadsattributed to brake assembly arms being assembled on top of one anotherso that elements/members of the assemblies can have smaller crosssections without compromising brake performance and/or stiffness.

In addition, bicycle brake assemblies known in the art generally followone of several approaches to create the leverage necessary to providebraking power, namely: basic scissors linkage, dual pivot linkage orcenter pull linkage. As is known in the art, the basic scissors linkageis very simple approach, with two movable arms pivoting about andcontacting at just one axis. In such prior art designs, in order toprovide higher leverage with this approach, there is no alternative butto increase the length of the arms, resulting in a structure withlonger, bulkier and heavier or more flexible elements. The dual pivotlinkage design adds an additional contacting interface between the twoarms. In this context, such prior art designs are essentially the sameas the basic scissor design, but with a second contact point, whichresults in an increased leverage as one arm pushes on the other duringactivation. The center pull linkage design is yet another simpleapproach similar to the basic scissor linkage with 2 arms actuated by acable (or a split cable). The difference between this prior art designand the basic scissor linkage is that the two arm rotate about twoindependent axis. This prior art design consequently has a number of thesame shortcomings as the scissors design in that there is no way ofincreasing leverage other than increasing the length of its elements.The center pull/sliding wedge is one illustrative variation on thisdesign (e.g. as found in the Shimano Ax). In contrast to these prior artassemblies, embodiments of the brake design that is described hereinoffer a range of leverage opportunities—from relatively linear(remaining˜ constant throughout brake actuation) to highly non-linear(where the leverage is multiplied as the brake is actuated further)without requiring the arms to get longer.

In many bicycle brake assemblies common in the art, it is also desirablefor brake pads to move symmetrically about the centerline of the wheel.Many brake assemblies known in the art use a spring system to try tocontrol arm movement by providing an equal spring force on each arm. Indoing so, it is assumed that when an equal cable force is applied toboth arms, both arms will move the same distance. In practice with theseprior art devices however, due to many subtle differences in friction,force applied and/or preload from one brake arm to the other is notconsistent throughout activation and is a shortcoming of bicycle brakeassemblies that artisans have focused on for some time. A dual pivotdesign is one way to overcome this shortcoming. With one arm pushing onthe other during activation, this design can overcome the subtledifferences mentioned above and results in each arm consistently movingthe same distance relative to each other. In contrast to these prior artdesigns, embodiments of the brake assemblies disclosed herein aredesigned to include a constellation of elements that allows for aconsistently repeatable, equal brake arm motion.

In addition, in many conventional brakes, vertical adjustment of thebrake pads relative to the frame is done by moving the pad up or down inslots on the brake arms. With the large range of vertical adjustmentneeded due to variations in bicycle and wheel geometries, the slots inthe arms are typically large and using up all of the range can result inlarge changes in brake leverage (e.g. as much as 50%). For horizontaladjustment in such prior art assemblies, the entire brake is typicallyrotated at the mounting bolt to the optimal orientation and then theframe bolt is tightened so that the brake stays in place. Such prior artdesigns prove problematic because the when tightening the frame bolt,the entire brake tends to rotate, a phenomena which can result in takingthe brake out of correct alignment with the wheel. In contrast to suchprior art designs, embodiments of the brake assemblies disclosed hereinare designed to employ an eccentric frame bolt, an element that forexample, provides a more consistent brake leverage throughout verticaladjustment range, minimizes brake structure, and allows for a purehorizontal adjustment that is not easily taken out of alignment when thebrake is tightened in place.

Many conventional brake shoes used in bicycle brake assemblies of theprior art keep their pads in place by one of two approaches: frictionfit; or use of a removable keeper element. In the friction fit design,the pad is forced into a slot overcoming friction of the tight fit. Thisprior art design offers the simplicity of fewer parts as there are noscrews or no tools needed. The drawback of this design is the highfriction required to keep the pad in place can make the pads verydifficult to install and or remove by hand (many times requiring toolswhich can exert the forced needed to install and remove the pad). In theremovable keeper element design, the pad is slipped into a slot andretained by installing a screw or pin in the shoe which extends into acorresponding recess in the pad. Thus, the pad stays in place becausethe screw or pin effectively blocks the pad from sliding back out theslot. This design provides for easier (by hand) removal and installationof the pad as the pad is a slip fit; but requires tools and an extrastep to remove and install the retaining screw or pin. In contrast tothese prior art designs, embodiments of the brake assemblies disclosedherein are designed to provide a “nested” brake shoe/pad design, onethat is easy to install without requiring extra parts or tools.

In many conventional brake assemblies known in the art, the cablehousing terminates in a recessed bore of an adjustment screw which has acoaxial hole that allows the cable to pass through. In such prior artdesigns, the screw and corresponding nut are fixed to one of the movablelevers allowing adjustment of the effective cable housing length. Insuch designs as the brake is actuated, the arm moves and with it, thescrew also moves, changing the angle of the screw relative to the cabletermination point. Ideally in such designs, the screw axis move toalways be aligned with the cable termination point minimizing frictionand leverage changes caused by mis-alignment. When such conventionalbrake assemblies are activated, there is only one instance in which thebarrel adjust is aligned with the cable termination point.Unfortunately, this can lead to binding/kinking of the brake cablecausing friction, wear and loss of leverage. In contrast to these priorart designs, embodiments of the brake assemblies disclosed herein aredesigned to allow the cable and cable housing to remain alignedthroughout brake actuation minimizing binding/kinking.

In addition, in many road brakes of the prior art, the ‘quick release’functionality is provided in one of two ways: 1) either with acam/eccentric system which when actuated effectively lengthens the brakecable thus opens the space between the pads for wheel removal andreplacement; or 2) by using a pin at the brake lever that effectivelyincreases the length of the cable itself. While both of these prior artdesigns are relatively easy to use, they have limited opening capacity,a property that often results in a tight squeeze during wheel removaland replacement. In contrast to such prior art designs, embodiments ofthe brake assemblies disclosed herein are designed to provide a quickrelease that opens wide enough for relatively wide tires to fit throughwithout requiring additional structure to do so.

2. Generalized Embodiments of the Invention

The invention disclosed herein comprises a number of embodiments. Atypical embodiment is a cable actuated bicycle brake assemblycomprising: an assembly mount; a cable; a cable housing; a stationarybridge; a first brake arm including a first brake pad, wherein the firstbrake arm is operatively coupled to the stationary bridge; a secondbrake arm including a second brake pad, wherein the second brake arm isoperatively coupled to the stationary bridge; a stationary cable anchor;and a cable housing anchor; wherein: the cable, the cable housing, thestationary bridge, the first brake arm, the second brake arm, thestationary cable anchor and the a cable housing anchor are operativelycoupled such that when the brake assembly is actuated by a user applyingan actuating force to the cable, the actuating force applied to thecable actuates the first and the second brake arms so that the first andsecond brake pads apply a braking force to a bicycle wheel.

In embodiments of the invention, the term “stationary” as used forexample to refer to stationary elements such as “a stationary cableanchor” is used according to its art accepted meaning of being andremaining fixed at one location on the bicycle brake assembly, e.g.located on an element of the brake assembly that does not move as a partthe operation of the brake assembly (e.g. the assembly mount; or thestationary bridge). In comparison to the stationary cable anchor, thecable housing anchor is not stationary and is instead located on anelement of the brake assembly whose motion is an intrinsic part of thebrake assembly's actuation. In embodiments of the invention, the term“immobile” as used for example to refer to immobile regions on theassembly such as “an immobile portion of the first or second arm” meansan element that is immobile (i.e. stationary) as well as those portionsof the assembly that are essentially immobile during the operation ofthe brake assembly such as an axis on which the first or second armpivots. Typically, an essentially immobile region is one that moves to amarginal or de minimis extent such that that an element coupled to anessentially immobile region performs as if it were coupled to anabsolutely immobile region. Further, this de minimis motion is not anintrinsic part of the brake assembly's actuation during its operation.

Illustrative embodiments of a stationary cable anchor within aconstellation of larger elements are shown in FIGS. 10 and 12 (see, e.g.element 109, 135, 136, 140 and 141). Illustrative embodiments of a cablehousing anchor within a constellation of larger elements are shown inFIG. 10 (see, e.g. elements 132 133 and 134). The term “assembly mount”in such embodiments of the invention is a general term that refers tothe element or element(s) that mount the bicycle brake assembly on thebicycle. A typical assembly mount of the invention can include forexample one or more nut elements, bolt elements, washer elements and thelike.

In certain embodiments of the invention, the assembly includes a linkagecomprising a pivotable lever and a strut, wherein the first and secondbrake arms are operatively coupled to each other by the linkage. Intypical embodiments of the invention, the first and second brake armsare operatively coupled to each other and the cable housing via thelinkage. Illustrative representations of this embodiment are shown forexample in FIGS. 3, 4 and 6 (see, e.g. elements 105, 106, 119, 120, 132,133, 134, and 176). In some embodiments of this brake assembly, thelever comprises a first and a second end; the first end the lever ispivotally coupled to the first brake arm; the second end of the lever iscoupled to the cable housing; the strut comprises a first end and asecond end; the first end of the strut is pivotally coupled to the leverso as to allow the strut to pivot relative to the lever; and the secondend of the strut is pivotally coupled to the second brake arm. Intypical embodiments of the invention, the end of the lever that iscoupled to the cable housing is the end at which the actuating forcevector is applied to the cable housing during normal operation of thebicycle assembly. Illustrative representations of this embodiment areshown for example in FIG. 20 (see, e.g. element 105, 106, 119, 120 and184).

Typically, the strut in the assembly can comprise a strut tip bearingsurface and a strut quick release tab, wherein the strut tip bearingsurface and the strut quick release tab facilitate keep the strutengaged with the second brake are during use. Typically these elementskeep the linkage engaged during use and enable disengagement of thislinkage to facilitate an increase in the distance between the first andsecond brake pad. In some embodiments of the invention, strut quickrelease tab facilitates an increase in the distance between the firstand second brake pad when a user wishes to remove the tire from thebicycle. Illustrative representations of this embodiment are shown forexample in FIGS. 13 a, 13 b and 21 (see, e.g. elements 106, 120, 162,163, 173 and 181). In some embodiments of the invention, the cablehousing is operatively coupled to the lever so that a force applied tothe cable is transferred to the cable housing such that the cablehousing moves and actuates the lever so that the first and the secondbrake arms are actuated and the first and second brake pads apply abraking force to a bicycle wheel. Illustrative representations of thisembodiment are shown for example in FIG. 20 (see, e.g. elements 105,106, 119, 120 and 177). In certain embodiments, the assembly comprises amini-link, wherein the mini-link is operatively coupled to thestationary bridge, the lever and the strut so as to facilitate anapproximately equal movement of the first brake pad and the second brakepad upon actuation of the brake assembly by the user. In one embodimentas shown in FIG. 24, the length of the mini-link is adjustable. The term“equal movement” as used for example in “equal movement of the firstbrake pad and the second brake pad” means that each pad moves an aboutequivalent distance in the opposite direction represented by the firstand second brake shoe pinch action (189) in FIG. 20 toward the genericrim (183). This enables the first pad and second pad to come in contactwith the rim consistently and approximately simultaneously during brakeactuation. In one exemplary embodiment of an approximately equalmovement, the relative distance traveled by first pad and second pad asthey come in contact with the rim is different by less than 10% and/ordifferent by less than 5%. In typical embodiments, the brake padscontact the rim in a relatively symmetrical and coordinated fashion sothat a rider can detect no discernable unevenness in the braking forceapplied to each side of the rim. Illustrative representations of suchembodiments are shown for example in FIG. 20 (see, e.g. elements 105,106, 177 and 189).

In certain embodiments of the invention, the stationary cable anchor isdisposed on a stationary element of the assembly comprising: theassembly mount; the stationary bridge; a first or second brake arm axle;or an immobile portion of the first or second arm. Illustrativerepresentations of this embodiment are shown for example in FIG. 10 and12 (see, e.g. elements 109, 140, 141, 135 and 136). In some embodiments,the brake assembly comprises a frame bolt adapted to secure the brakeassembly to the bicycle; wherein the frame bolt exhibits an eccentricgeometry that allows the brake assembly to be moved in a side-to-sidedirection and a up-and-down direction relative to a location on abicycle on which the brake assembly is mounted so that an alignment ofthe brake assembly on the bicycle can be adjusted. Illustrativerepresentations of this embodiment are shown for example in FIGS. 7, 8,19 a and 19 b (see, e.g. element 142).

In some embodiments, the brake assembly comprises a barrel adjusterhaving a nut that matingly engages a surface on the lever such that thebarrel adjuster can pivot relative to the lever during actuation of thebrake assembly. The term “nut” is used herein according to its artaccepted meaning of a type of hardware fastener with a threaded hole.Nuts are typically used opposite a mating bolt to fasten elementstogether. As is known in the art, nuts can be configured in a widevariety of shapes, including circles, ovals, squares, octagons,eccentric shapes and the like. As shown for example in FIGS. 3, 4 and 10in typical embodiments of the invention having this arrangement ofelements, the barrel adjuster having a nut that matingly engages asurface on the lever is used to inhibit rotation of the nut. Thisarrangement which inhibits rotation of the nut consequently functions tostabilize the elements within the bicycle assembly (e.g. so that the nutdoes not unscrew itself during the normal operation of the bicycle brakeassembly). Optionally the brake assembly comprises a spring having afirst end coupled to the first brake arm and a second end coupled to thesecond brake arm, wherein the spring is not coupled to a stationaryportion of the brake assembly. In some embodiments, the brake assemblycomprises an adjustable length strut and/or is designed to includeadjustable pivot locations (e.g. locations comprising an architecturalfeature designed for this purpose such as a recess, a protrusion, adetent, a hole or the like) on the lever (see, e.g. elements 162 and 195in FIGS. 22 and 23).

In some embodiments of the invention, the stationary bridge has a frontflange (201) and a rear flange (202) and the cable, the cable housing,the stationary bridge, the first brake arm, the second brake arm, thestationary cable anchor and the a cable housing anchor are operativelycoupled to one another in an area disposed between these two flanges.Illustrative representations of this embodiment are shown for example inFIGS. 9 and 10 (see, e.g. elements 104, 105, 106, 119, 120, 132, 133,134, 201 and 202). In certain embodiments, the brake assembly includes asliding fit brake pad retention system comprising: a first shoe and asecond shoe adapted to retain the first brake pad and the second brakepad, wherein the first and the second shoe comprise: a fixed bosselement adapted to be seated in a recess of the first and second brakepads; wherein the recess is adapted to retain the first and second brakepads when they are slidingly engaged with the first and second shoe; anda relief in the first and second brake shoes that enables the brake padsto be deformably disengaged in a direction opposite of braking forcefrom the boss as the first and second brake pads are slidingly engagedwith the first and second shoe. The term “shoe” generally refers to arestraint provided when the brakes are moved to retard the movement ofthe brake pad (e.g. one used to connect the brake pad to the brake arm).The term “boss” generally refers to protuberance on a part designed toadd strength, facilitate alignment, provide fastening, etc. Exemplaryboss elements include shapes such as a tab, detent, flange etc.Illustrative representations of this embodiment are shown for example inFIGS. 14, 15 a and 15 b (see, e.g. elements 146, 153, 168, 177, 179 and200). Embodiments include for example a sliding fit brake pad retentionsystem comprising a first shoe (146) and a second shoe (146) adapted toretain the first brake pad (177) and the second brake pad (177), whereinthe first and the second shoe comprise a fixed boss (168) elementadapted to be seated in a recess (200) of the first and second brakepads; wherein the recess is adapted to retain the first and second brakepads when they are slidingly engaged with the first and second shoe; anda relief (179) in the first and second brake shoes that enables thebrake pads to be deformably disengaged in a direction opposite ofbraking force from the boss as the first and second brake pads areslidingly disengaged with the first and second shoe.

Another embodiment of the invention is a sliding fit brake pad retentionsystem for use in a bicycle brake assembly comprising: a first shoe anda second shoe adapted to retain a first brake pad and a second brakepad, wherein the first and the second shoe comprise: a fixed bosselement adapted to be seated in a recess of the first and second brakepads; wherein the recess is adapted to retain the first and second brakepads when they are slidingly engaged with the first and second shoe; anda relief in the first and second brake shoes that enables the brake padsto be deformably disengaged in a direction opposite of braking forcefrom the boss as the first and second brake pads are slidinglydisengaged with the first and second shoe. From the descriptions of thisembodiment that are provided herein, those of skill in the art willunderstand that such systems can be used with the brake assembliesdisclosed herein as well as a large number of the brake assemblies knownin the art (e.g. those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,261,188, 4,718,521,6,125,973, 6,264,008, 6,607,05; and 7,353,918, the contents of which areincorporated by reference).

Another embodiment of the invention is a frame bolt adapted to secure abrake assembly to a bicycle; wherein the frame bolt exhibits aneccentric geometry that allows the brake assembly to be moved in aside-to-side direction and a up-and-down direction relative to alocation on a bicycle on which the brake assembly is mounted so that analignment of the brake assembly on the bicycle can be adjusted. From thedescriptions of this embodiment that are provided herein, those of skillin the art will understand that such elements can be used with the brakeassemblies disclosed herein as well as a large number of the brakeassemblies known in the art (e.g. those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.7,261,188, 4,718,521, 6,125,973, 6,264,008, 6,607,05; and 7,353,918, thecontents of which are incorporated by reference).

Yet another embodiment of the invention is a cable actuated bicyclebrake assembly comprising: an assembly mount; a cable; a cable housing;a stationary bridge; a first brake arm including a first brake pad,wherein the first brake arm is operatively coupled to the stationarybridge; a second brake arm including a second brake pad, wherein thesecond brake arm is operatively coupled to the stationary bridge; alinkage comprising a pivotable lever and a strut, wherein the first andsecond brake arms are operatively coupled to each other by the linkage;a mini-link, wherein the mini-link is operatively coupled to thestationary bridge and the linkage so as to facilitate an approximatelyequal movement of the first brake pad and the second brake pad uponactuation of the brake assembly by the user; wherein the cable, thecable housing, the stationary bridge, the linkage, the mini-link, thefirst brake arm and the second brake arm are operatively coupled suchthat when the brake assembly is actuated by a user applying an actuatingforce to the cable, the actuating force applied to the cable actuatesthe first and the second brake arms so that the first and second brakepads apply a braking force to a bicycle wheel. Optionally suchembodiments further comprise a stationary cable anchor and/or a cablehousing anchor. In certain embodiments, the brake assembly furthercomprises a frame bolt adapted to secure the brake assembly to thebicycle; wherein the frame bolt exhibits an eccentric geometry thatallows the brake assembly to be moved in a side-to-side direction and aup-and-down direction relative to a location on a bicycle on which thebrake assembly is mounted so that an alignment of the brake assembly onthe bicycle can be adjusted.

Yet another embodiment of the invention is a cable actuated bicyclebrake assembly comprising: an assembly mount; a cable; a cable housing;a stationary bridge; a first brake arm including a first brake pad,wherein the first brake arm is operatively coupled to the stationarybridge; a second brake arm including a second brake pad, wherein thesecond brake arm is operatively coupled to the stationary bridge; aframe bolt adapted to secure the brake assembly to the bicycle; whereinthe frame bolt exhibits an eccentric geometry that allows the brakeassembly to be moved in a side-to-side direction and a up-and-downdirection relative to a location on a bicycle on which the brakeassembly is mounted so that an alignment of the brake assembly on thebicycle can be adjusted; wherein: the cable, the cable housing, thestationary bridge, the first brake arm and the second brake arm areoperatively coupled such that when the brake assembly is actuated by auser applying an actuating force to the cable, the actuating forceapplied to the cable actuates the first and the second brake arms sothat the first and second brake pads apply a braking force to a bicyclewheel. Optionally the assembly further comprises a stationary cableanchor and a cable housing anchor. In certain embodiments, this assemblyfurther comprises: a linkage comprising a pivotable lever and a strut,wherein the first and second brake arms are operatively coupled to eachother by the linkage; and a mini-link, wherein the mini-link isoperatively coupled to the stationary bridge, the lever and the strut soas to facilitate an approximately equal movement of the first brake padand the second brake pad upon actuation of the brake assembly by theuser.

Those of skill in the art will understand that embodiments of theinvention disclosed herein include methods of using the disclosedbicycle brake assemblies to slow and/or stop a bicycle. Such methodsinclude for example a method of applying a braking force to a bicyclewheel comprising applying an actuating force to the cable of the bicyclebrake assemblies disclosed herein.

3. Reference Numerals of Representative Elements Used in IllustrativeEmbodiments of Invention as Shown in the Drawings

101 bicycle

102 front brake assembly

103 rear brake assembly

104 bridge

105 lever arm

106 strut arm

107 mini-link

108 lever arm axle

109 strut arm axle

110 strut tip axle

111 arm bushing

112 strut tip bushing

113 arm bushing bearing surface

114 bridge axle bearing surface

115 mini-link insert hole

116 strut tip axle bearing surface

117 strut arm axle indexing notch

118 bridge axle keying feature

119 lever

120 strut

121 lever axle

122 strut bolt

123 lever bushing

124 strut bolt bushing

125 strut bolt washer

126 lever axle bearing surface

127 lever bushing bearing surface

128 mini-link lever hole

129 strut bolt hole

130 strut bolt bushing bearing surface

131 spring

132 barrel adjuster

133 barrel adjuster nut

134 barrel adjuster bushing

135 cable plate

136 cable bolt

137 spring hole

138 lever ob-round hole

139 barrel adjuster bushing bearing surface

140 cable bearing surface

141 cable bolt hole

142 frame bolt

143 binder bolt

144 frame bolt hole

145 binder bolt hole

146 brake shoe

147 threaded insert

148 spherical washer

149 shoe washer

150 shoe bolt

151 shoe hole

152 binder slot

153 shoe undercut

154 cable housing hole

155 barrel adjuster flats

156 barrel adjuster threaded portion

157 arm pockets

158 frame bolt threaded portion

159 frame bolt flats

160 frame bolt binder portion

161 spring leg

162 threaded strut

163 threaded strut tip

164 hollow axle section

165 snap ring undercut

166 inner spherical surface

167 outer spherical surface

168 brake shoe pad boss

169 threaded insert spherical surface

170 shoe bolt hole

171 spherical washer spherical surface

172 flattened portion of spring

173 strut tip bearing surface

174 bridge pockets

175 cable housing

176 cable

177 brake pad

178 frame nut

179 shoe undercut relief

180 barrel adjust pivot axis

181 strut quick release tab

182 generic tire cross section

183 generic wheel rim cross section

184 cable housing force vector

185 lever rotation action

186 strut force vector

187 lever arm rotation action

188 strut arm rotation action

189 brake shoe pinch action

190 quick release strut action

191 quick release strut arm rotation

192 bicycle centerline

193 quick release lever arm rotation

194 frame bolt swivel tool

195 lever with adjustable leverage

196 strut arms (of ‘tuning fork’ strut design)

197 adjustable length mini-link

198 peal force

199 slide force

200 pad recess

201 stationary bridge front flange

202 stationary bridge rear flange

4. Specific Illustrative Embodiments of the Invention

The brake devices of the present invention have a number ofrepresentative embodiments that are illustrated in the drawings of theinvention. Those of skill in the art will understand that the drawingsprovide non-limiting representative examples of embodiments of theinvention and that numerous changes can be implemented to theconstruction and forms of the elements used in the embodiments of theinvention shown in the drawings, all comprised within the context of theconcept characterizing embodiments of this invention. From thedescription and associated drawings, one of skill in the art willunderstand that, in addition to the constellations of elements notedabove, a wide variety of additional elements are typically included invarious embodiments of the invention. Typically, such embodiments willinclude combinations of the one or more elements identified withreference numbers 102-202. Those of skill in the art will understandthat these elements can be mixed and matched together in a wide varietyof elements and/or combinations of elements disclosed herein (as well asthose elements known in the art such as those described in U.S. Pat.Nos. 7,261,188, 4,718,521, 6,125,973, 6,264,008, 6,607,05; and7,353,918, the contents of which are incorporated by reference) in orderto generate various embodiments of this bicycle brake device.

A. Illustrative Operation of Assembly Embodiments Brake Adjustment

The brake can be assembled following typical procedures in the art asshown in FIGS. 1-14. After the brake is assembled to the bike asdescribed in FIGS. 1-14, the brake can be adjusted for proper functionand performance. Referring to FIG. 18, prior to adjustment, cable bolt(136) is loose enough so that cable (176) can slide relative to strutarm axle (109); Referring to FIG. 2 a and 2 b, frame nut (178) is looseenough so that front brake assembly (102) and rear brake assembly (103)can rotate relative to the bike frame using frame bolt flats (159) andframe bolt swivel tool (194); Referring to FIG. 7, binder bolt (143) isloose so that bridge (104) can rotate relative to frame bolt (142); andReferring to FIG. 14, shoe bolts (150) are loose enough in two locationsto allow the brake shoes on both sides to swivel via inner sphericalsurface (166) and outer spherical surface (167).

Referencing FIG. 18, the gap between brake pad (177) is set so thatthere is a gap between brake pad (177) and generic wheel rim crosssection (183) on both sides and cable bolt (136) is tightened anchoringthe end of cable (176) to the brake which fixes the distance betweenbrake pad (177) and generic wheel rim cross section (183) on both sides.Again referring to FIG. 18, the brake shoe assemblies are swiveled sothat brake pad (177) are parallel and aligned with generic wheel rimcross section (183) on both sides and shoe bolt (150) are tightened downfixing the brake shoes in place.

If the brake assembly is offset relative to generic tire cross section(182) and generic wheel rim cross section (183) as shown in FIG. 19 a,frame bolt (142) is rotated about frame bolt threaded portion (158)using the frame bolt swivel tool (194) that registers on frame boltflats (159). This rotation translates the brake assembly—enabling it tobe aligned with the wheel as shown in FIG. 19 c. By turning the framebolt (142) in the bike, the brake may moved vertically and horizontallyallowing the brake to be positioned correctly relative to the rim. Thisis used for gross adjustments of the brake up-and-down so that not allof the vertical adjustment needs to be accommodated by the adjustment atthe end of the brake Arms. This minimizes the adjustment needed bymoving the pads up or down on the arms, thus limiting the change ofbrake leverage as a result pad adjustments and resulting in moreconsistent brake performance. This design also provides adjustmenthorizontally (side-to-side) which allows the brake to be easily centeredover wheels that are off center relative to the bike frame or fork. Inaddition, this brake assembly may be adjustably rotated about the framebolt (142) when the binder bolt (143) is loose. Once the brake is in thecorrect alignment, the binder bolt (143) is tightened to hold the braketo the frame bolt (142) and in alignment to the wheel. Because thebinder bolt (143) axis is transverse to either eccentric axis of theframe bolt (142), the tightening of the binder bolt (143) does not tendto take the brake out of alignment and is easy to use. The largediameter of the frame bolt (142) where it attaches to the bridge alsoadds structural strength and rigidity further enhancing brakeperformance.

At this point, the brake assembly can be adjusted. If fine tuning isdesire, any of the interfaces, e.g. the cable bolt (136), binder bolt(143), shoe bolt (150) and frame nut (178) can be loosened, adjusted andtightened in place. No particular chronological order is required. Byloosening cable bolt (136), the gaps between brake pad (177) and genericwheel rim cross section (183) can is adjusted; by loosening shoe bolt(150), alignment of brake pad (177) relative to the bike rim can beadjusted on either side; by loosening frame nut (178) and binder bolt(143), frame bolt (142) can be rotated relative to bicycle (101) andbridge (104) providing side-to-side and up-down adjustment of the brakeassembly.

Referring to FIG. 23, additional brake adjustments are possible by usingthe lever with adjustable leverage (195) along with threaded strut (162)and threaded strut tip (163). Here the lever with adjustable leverage(195) can be attached at any one of multiple strut bolt holes (129).Each of these hole offers the user different leverage which results inmore or less braking power.

Referring to FIG. 18, additional fine tuning is also available byrotating barrel adjuster nut (133) and barrel adjuster bushing (134)relative to barrel adjuster (132). To do so with the cylinder nut seatedinto a corresponding radius shape on the brake lever, the spring forcethat acts to keep the cable taut must be overcome which is relativelyeasy to do manually. Rotating the barrel adjust nut (133) increases ordecreases the distance between the end of the cable housing and thecable anchor, moves the linkage and in turn, moves the brake pad (177)closer or farther from generic rim (183) resulting in brake adjustment.With the cylinder nut seated into a corresponding radius shape on thebrake lever, when the cable is taut during use due to the spring force,it cannot freely rotate on the screw and take the brake out ofadjustment.

Additional fine tuning is possible with the two piece strut (120)embodiment shown in FIG. 13 b. Here, the length of the strut (120) canalso be changed by rotating threaded strut (162) relative to threadedstrut tip (163). Referring to FIG. 24, additional fine tuning ispossible by employing an adjustable length mini-link. By adjusting thelength of the mini-link (197), how far the pads are from the rim (183)is also adjusted. As one arm moves closer, the other arm moves fartheraway and visa versa. Therefore, but using an adjustable length mini-link(197) the rim (183) can be centered between the two pads

Braking

Referencing FIG. 18, the brake is activated by the user, the cable (176)is pulled back up cable housing (175), e.g. such that the cable and thecable housing move relative to each other. With cable housing (175)seated in barrel adjuster (132), cable housing (175) pushes down onbarrel adjuster (132), causing barrel adjuster nut (133) and barreladjuster bushing (134) to press down on lever barrel adjuster bushingbearing surface (139) portion of lever (119). The barrel adjusterbushing bearing surface (139) exists so that as lever (119) rotates, thecable assembly—barrel adjuster (132), barrel adjuster nut (133), barreladjuster bushing (134), cable housing (175), and cable (176)—can rotateabout barrel adjust pivot axis (180), keeping the axis of cable housing(175) properly aligned to the cable anchor point on strut arm axle(109). This minimizes binding, cable kinking and cable friction whilemaintaining alignment efficient cable pulling force. The cylindricalsurface also acts as a ‘seat’ so that during use when the cable is taut,it cannot freely rotate on the screw thus taking the Brake out ofadjustment. In this embodiment, the cylinder nut can only be rotated in180° increments so that it always is ‘seated’ in the barrel adjusterbushing bearing surface (139) of the lever during use.

Referring to FIG. 20, barrel adjuster nut (133), barrel adjuster bushing(134), cable housing (175) and cable (176) are not shown for simplicity.Instead the downward force from barrel adjuster nut (133) and barreladjuster bushing (134) on lever (119) (described above) is depicted bycable housing force vector (184). In this figure, the phantom components(as shown by dotted/dashed lines) represent the brake configurationprior to brake activation; the solid lines represent the brakecomponents after brake activation. As lever (119) tries to rotateclockwise (CW) about lever axle (121), mini-link (107) (shown in FIG.14) constrains the motion of lever (119) so that it rotates at about themini-link lever hole (128) instead. This results in the two sides of thebrake being activated simultaneously. In addition, this linkage resultsbrake leverage that can be increased or decreased by moving the strutpivot location closer or further away from the lever pivot location.Further, depending on the strut's pivot location the leverage can rangefrom relatively linear to highly non-linear relative to brake cabledisplacement. This is shown in the embodiment of the lever withadjustable leverage (195) in FIG. 23.

Lever Arm Activation: Referring to FIG. 20, as lever (119) rotates CW atabout the mini-link lever hole (128) as indicated by lever rotationaction (185), lever axle (121) rotates CCW about lever arm axle (108)causing lever arm (105) also to rotate CCW about lever arm axle (108) asindicated by lever arm rotation action (187). As this happens brake pad(177) moves inward, pressing on generic wheel rim cross section (183) toprovide braking action as indicated by brake shoe pinch action (189).

Strut Arm Activation: Again referring to FIG. 20, as lever (119) rotatesCW at about the mini-link lever hole (128), lever (119) also pushes onstrut (120) and strut (120) pushes on strut tip bushing (112) in thedirection indicated by strut force vector (186). This causes strut tipbushing (112) to rotate CW about strut arm axle (109) in the directionindicated by strut arm rotation action (188). As this happens, strut arm(106) also rotates CW about strut arm axle (109) as indicated by strutarm rotation action (188), causing brake pad (177) moves inward,pressing on generic wheel rim cross section (183) to provide brakingaction as indicated by brake shoe pinch action (189). An activated brakeis shown in FIG. 20.

Quick Release

If the user wishes to remove one of the wheels, there is seldom enoughspace between brake pad (177) so that generic tire cross section (182)can pass. To create more space between brake pad (177), strut quickrelease tab (181) is used as shown in FIG. 21. In this figure, thephantom components represent the brake configuration prior to quickrelease activation; the solid represent the brake after quick release.The user can lift up on strut quick release tab (181), rotating strut(120) up about strut bolt (122) so that strut tip bearing surface (173)no longer bears on strut tip bushing (112). This allows the upperportion of strut arm (106) to move CW relative to strut arm axle (109)so that brake pad (177) is free to move away from generic tire crosssection (182) and generic wheel rim cross section (183) so that thewheel can be removed. An alternative embodiment is also possible asshown in FIG. 22. Again, the phantom components represent the brakeconfiguration prior to quick release activation; the solid represent thebrake after quick release. Here mini-link (107) is flexible. After thequick release is activated with strut (120) being rotated in thedirection indicated by quick release strut arm rotation (191), not onlycan the strut arm (106) rotate out of the way as depicted by quickrelease strut action (190), but lever arm (105) can also rotate out ofthe way as depicted by quick release lever arm rotation (193) by flexingmini-link (107).

In certain embodiments of the invention, the strut has pivots at bothends and is connected to the arm through a concave surface as shown, thestrut only transmits compressive axial force. The contact is maintainedwith spring force keeping the strut in axial compression at all timesand maintaining the location of the arm end. The quick release openfeature is operated by removing the concave surface of the strut fromthe end of the arm allowing the arm to swing open as shown providingclearance for wheel change. This design provides a quick method which iseasily operated, lightweight, simple, reliable and which provides plentyof room for wheel removal.

B. Flexible Organization of Assembly Embodiments

The brake assemblies disclosed herein are designed to provide flexibleconfigurations in order to allow those of skill in the art to combinethe various elements disclosed herein together as well as with otherelements known in the art (e.g. those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.7,261,188, 4,718,521, 6,125,973, 6,264,008, 6,607,05; and 7,353,918, thecontents of which are incorporated by reference) into a variety offunctional architectures depending for example upon the type of bicycleon which they are used. One typical embodiment of the invention is abicycle brake device including a lever arm (105) and a strut arm (106)that are operatively coupled to a stationary bridge (104). Thisembodiment further includes a linkage comprising a lever (119) and astrut (120), wherein the linkage is operatively coupled to the lever arm(105) and the strut arm (106) and adapted to impart a force on both thelever arm (105) and the strut arm (106) when cable housing force vector(184) is applied to the lever (119) as shown in FIG. 20. In thisarrangement, all of the moving elements, lever arm (105), strut arm(106), lever (119) and strut (120) occupy the space between the frontand rear flanges of the bridge (104). Additionally, the cable housingforce vector (184) is also applied between these two flanges. In doingso, the eccentric loading that exists in prior art due to the stackingof elements is eliminated and therefore offers an opportunity for weightsavings because the structure is more efficient. Also, this arrangementof elements results in a design whose leverage can be increased bybringing the strut (120) pivot axis closer to the lever (119) pivot axisas shown by the lever with adjustable leverage (195) in FIG. 23. Unlikeis the case with much of the prior art, this increase in leverage is notaccompanied by an increased in arm length and therefore is inherentlylighter.

As shown in FIG. 18, this embodiment includes a cable (176) anchored toa stationary element such as strut arm axle (109) and further a barreladjuster (132) having a cylindrical bearing surface (138) as shown inFIG. 10 to mate with the cylindrical bearing surface (139) of the lever(119). With the cable (176) anchor being stationary, when the brake isactivated by the user, the barrel adjuster sub-assembly is pulled downtoward the cable anchor point thus applying cable housing force vector(184) to the lever (119). In the prior art, the cable anchor is attachedto a moving element—either one of two movable arms or an arm that iscoupled to a rigid main body extension which supports the cable housingtermination point (see, e.g. the Campagnolo Delta brakeset). Further,with a stationary anchor for the cable (176), embodiments of thedisclosed design have only one ‘movable arm’ and no rigid main bodyextension making this approach is inherently lighter than the prior art.With the cylindrical bearing surface (139) of the lever (119), thebarrel adjuster sub-assembly can pivot/rotate to maintain cablealignment during brake activation and therefore keeping the cable fromkinking or binding. Again in the pivoting barrel adjust, this embodimentoffers an improvement over the prior art by improving performancewithout the addition of elements that add weight.

Rather than relying on even spring force or a dual pivot design as seenin the prior art, this embodiment of the invention further employs amini-link (107) to control the travel of the lever arm (105) and thestrut arm (106) upon actuation of the brake device. Because thisadditional element only transmits the loads needed to balance the twoarms and not braking loads, this element can be very light. Therefore,this embodiment results in very repeatable, consistent brake performancewith minimal increase in weight.

As shown in FIGS. 13 a and 21, in this embodiment the strut (120) caninclude a strut tip bearing surfaces (173) and a strut quick release tab(181). This geometry results in an assembly that is both stable duringbrake activation but also easily disengaged—allowing the brake pads tobe spread for tire removal or ‘quick release’. Further, this isaccomplished without the addition of elements that can add weight to theoverall assembly.

The constellation of elements that make up the above-noted embodiment ofthe invention are typically coupled to the various additional elementssuch as those that are illustrated in the description and associateddrawings. For example, certain embodiments of the invention furtherinclude a frame bolt (142) that is operatively coupled to a brake deviceand is designed so that rotation of the frame bolt (142) adjusts thebrake device relative to the bicycle (101) on which it is coupled. Asshown for example in FIG. 8, this frame bolt (142) has an eccentricgeometry that allows for adjustment of the brake device in bothside-to-side and up-and-down brake adjustment relative to the bicycle(101) so that proper alignment of the front and rear brake assemblies(102 and 103) on the bike wheel can be attained and maintained. This isan improvement over the prior art for two reasons. First, in the priorart, all of the vertical adjustment is made adjacent to the brake shoesto account for variations in frame and wheel geometries. This can resultin large variations in brake leverage. In embodiments of the discloseddesign, not all of the vertical adjustment needs to take place at theend of the arms adjacent to the brake shoes. Rather, the entire brakecan be moved up and down by rotating the frame bolt (142) so thatlimited adjustment is needed at the end of the lever arm (105) and strutarm (106) and brake leverage can be more consistent regardless of frameand wheel geometries. Second, in the prior art designs, side-to-sidebrake adjustment is achieved by rotating the entire brake about itsmounting bolt and can result in compromises to brake performance.Embodiments of the disclosed design offers a means to move the entirebrake side-to-side without requiring the brake to be rotated so brakeperformance is not compromised.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 7, some embodiments of the inventionfurther include a bridge binder bolt (143) that is operatively coupledto the stationary bridge (104) so that the stationary bridge can berotated relative to the bicycle (101) to which it is coupled. Becausethe axis of the binder bolt (143) is transverse to the axis of rotationduring adjustment, when the binder bolt (143) is tightened, this actiondoes not have the tendency to pull the assembly out of alignment as isthe case with prior art.

As also shown in FIG. 10, such embodiments of the invention can includea spring (131) designed so that it is free floating and ties only thetwo arms, lever arm 105 and strut arm 106. This spring can for examplebe attached using a spring leg (161) which engages with strut arm 106 tokeep the spring in parallel with face of the bridge (104). Embodimentsof the invention can include a flattened portion of the spring (172)that engages lever arm (105) so as to keep the spring from sliding outof the assembly.

FIG. 12 shows one embodiment of strut arm axle (109), one where a cablebearing surface (140) and cable bolt hole (141) function to anchor thecable (176). FIG. 13 b shows an embodiment for strut (120) made up of athreaded assembly threaded strut (162) and threaded strut tip (163).This enables the length of 120 to be user adjusted.

FIGS. 14 and 15 show one embodiment of a brake shoe that does not relyon either friction or an additional element to keep it's brake padengaged as is the case with much of the prior art. Rather, thisembodiment holds the pad in place by employing fixed ‘boss’ (168) on theinside of the shoe that corresponds to a recess (200) in the back of thepad to retain the brake pad securely. Additionally there exists arelieved section (179) of the brake shoe undercut (153) allowing thebrake pad to be pulled away from the ‘boss’ (168) by applying a pealforce (198) in the direction opposite the force seen by the pad duringbraking. Once the pad is pulled away from the boss (168), the pad canslide above and past the ‘boss’ by applying a slide force (199) for padremoval. The design uses the natural force applied during braking topush the pad firmly to the back of the shoe which keeps the boss engagedin the pad and securely retained in the shoe. Because the peal force(198) and slide force (199) are in direction opposite those seen duringbraking, the pad remains securely in the shoe during use. This resultsin a design that does not required an additional screw or tools and easyto service without the difficulty of a tight friction fit.

Throughout this application, various publications are referenced. Thedisclosures of these publications are hereby incorporated by referenceherein in their entireties.

The present invention is not to be limited in scope by the embodimentsdisclosed herein, which are intended as single illustrations ofindividual aspects of the invention, and any that are functionallyequivalent are within the scope of the invention. Various modificationsto the models and methods of the invention, in addition to thosedescribed herein, will become apparent to those skilled in the art fromthe foregoing description and teachings, and are similarly intended tofall within the scope of the invention. Such modifications or someembodiments can be practiced without departing from the true scope andspirit of the invention.

1. A cable actuated bicycle brake assembly comprising: an assemblymount; a cable; a cable housing; a stationary bridge; a first brake armincluding a first brake pad, wherein the first brake arm is operativelycoupled to the stationary bridge; a second brake arm including a secondbrake pad, wherein the second brake arm is operatively coupled to thestationary bridge; a stationary cable anchor; a cable housing anchor;wherein: the cable, the cable housing, the stationary bridge, the firstbrake arm, the second brake arm, the stationary cable anchor and the acable housing anchor are operatively coupled such that when the brakeassembly is actuated by a user applying an actuating force to the cable,the actuating force applied to the cable actuates the first and thesecond brake arms so that the first and second brake pads apply abraking force to a bicycle wheel.
 2. The brake assembly of claim 1,wherein the assembly includes a linkage comprising a pivotable lever anda strut, wherein the first and second brake arms are operatively coupledto each other by the linkage.
 3. The brake assembly of claim 2, wherein:the lever comprises a first and a second end; the first end the lever ispivotally coupled to the first brake arm; the second end of the lever iscoupled to the cable housing; the strut comprises a first end and asecond end; the first end of the strut is pivotally coupled to the leverso as to allow the strut to pivot relative to the lever; and the secondend of the strut is pivotally coupled to the second brake arm.
 4. Thebrake assembly of claim 2, wherein the brake assembly comprises a leverhaving strut pivot locations that can be adjusted.
 5. The brake assemblyof claim 2, wherein the strut comprises a strut tip bearing surface anda strut quick release tab, wherein the strut tip bearing surface and thestrut quick release tab facilitate an increase in the distance betweenthe first and second brake pad.
 6. The brake assembly of claim 2,wherein the assembly comprises a mini-link, wherein the mini-link isoperatively coupled to the stationary bridge, the lever and the strut soas to facilitate an approximately equal movement of the first brake padand the second brake pad upon actuation of the brake assembly by theuser.
 7. The brake assembly of claim 6, wherein the length of themini-link is adjustable.
 8. The brake assembly of claim 1, wherein thestationary cable anchor is disposed on a stationary element of theassembly comprising: the assembly mount; the stationary bridge; a firstor second brake arm axle; or an immobile portion of the first or secondarm.
 9. The brake assembly of claim 1, wherein the brake assemblycomprises a barrel adjuster having a nut that matingly engages a surfaceon the lever such that the barrel adjuster can pivot relative to thelever during actuation of the brake assembly.
 10. The brake assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the brake assembly comprises a spring having a firstend coupled to the first brake arm and a second end coupled to thesecond brake arm, wherein the spring is not coupled to a stationaryportion of the brake assembly.
 11. The brake assembly of claim 2,wherein; the stationary bridge has a front flange and a rear flange; thecable, the cable housing, the stationary bridge, the first brake arm,the second brake arm are operatively coupled to one another in an areadisposed between the front and rear bridge flanges; the first and secondbrake arms have a front flange and a rear flange; the strut comprisesfirst and second arms, wherein the arms are attached to opposing sidesof the lever; the cable is disposed between the first and second leverarms; and the lever, the strut, the stationary cable anchor and the acable housing anchor are operatively coupled to one another in an areadisposed between the front arm and rear arm flanges.
 12. A sliding fitbrake pad retention system for use in a bicycle brake assemblycomprising: a first shoe and a second shoe adapted to retain a firstbrake pad and a second brake pad, wherein the first and the second shoecomprise: a fixed boss element adapted to be seated in a recess of thefirst and second brake pads; wherein the recess is adapted to retain thefirst and second brake pads when they are slidingly engaged with thefirst and second shoe; and a relief in the first and second brake shoesthat enables the brake pads to be deformably disengaged in a directionopposite of braking force from the boss as the first and second brakepads are slidingly disengaged with the first and second shoe.
 13. A boltadapted to secure a brake assembly to a bicycle; wherein the boltexhibits an eccentric geometry that allows the brake assembly to bemoved in a side-to-side direction and a up-and-down direction relativeto a location on a bicycle on which the brake assembly is mounted sothat an alignment of the brake assembly on the bicycle can be adjusted.14. A cable actuated bicycle brake assembly comprising: an assemblymount; a cable; a cable housing; a stationary bridge; a first brake armincluding a first brake pad, wherein the first brake arm is operativelycoupled to the stationary bridge; a second brake arm including a secondbrake pad, wherein the second brake arm is operatively coupled to thestationary bridge; a linkage comprising a pivotable lever and a strut,wherein the first and second brake arms are operatively coupled to eachother by the linkage; a mini-link, wherein the mini-link is operativelycoupled to the stationary bridge and the linkage so as to facilitate anapproximately equal movement of the first brake pad and the second brakepad upon actuation of the brake assembly by the user; wherein the cable,the cable housing, the stationary bridge, the linkage, the mini-link,the first brake arm and the second brake arm are operatively coupledsuch that when the brake assembly is actuated by a user applying anactuating force to the cable, the actuating force applied to the cableactuates the first and the second brake arms so that the first andsecond brake pads apply a braking force to a bicycle wheel.
 15. Thebrake assembly of claim 14, further comprising a stationary cableanchor.
 16. The brake assembly of claim 14, wherein the brake assemblycomprises a frame bolt adapted to secure the brake assembly to thebicycle; wherein the frame bolt exhibits an eccentric geometry thatallows the brake assembly to be moved in a side-to-side direction and aup-and-down direction relative to a location on a bicycle on which thebrake assembly is mounted so that an alignment of the brake assembly onthe bicycle can be adjusted.
 17. A cable actuated bicycle brake assemblycomprising: an assembly mount; a cable; a cable housing; a stationarybridge; a first brake arm including a first brake pad, wherein the firstbrake arm is operatively coupled to the stationary bridge; a secondbrake arm including a second brake pad, wherein the second brake arm isoperatively coupled to the stationary bridge; a frame bolt adapted tosecure the brake assembly to the bicycle; wherein the frame boltexhibits an eccentric geometry that allows the brake assembly to bemoved in a side-to-side direction and a up-and-down direction relativeto a location on a bicycle on which the brake assembly is mounted sothat an alignment of the brake assembly on the bicycle can be adjusted;wherein: the cable, the cable housing, the stationary bridge, the firstbrake arm and the second brake arm are operatively coupled such thatwhen the brake assembly is actuated by a user applying an actuatingforce to the cable, the actuating force applied to the cable actuatesthe first and the second brake arms so that the first and second brakepads apply a braking force to a bicycle wheel.
 18. The brake assembly ofclaim 17, further comprising a stationary cable anchor.
 19. The brakeassembly of claim 17, wherein the assembly comprises: a linkagecomprising a pivotable lever and a strut, wherein the first and secondbrake arms are operatively coupled to each other by the linkage; and amini-link, wherein the mini-link is operatively coupled to thestationary bridge, the lever and the strut so as to facilitate anapproximately equal movement of the first brake pad and the second brakepad upon actuation of the brake assembly by the user.
 20. A method ofapplying a braking force to a bicycle wheel comprising applying anactuating force to the cable of the bicycle brake assembly of claim 1,claim 14 or claim
 17. 21. The brake assembly of claim 2, wherein thebrake assembly comprises an adjustable length strut.